Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Programs 2025

If you’ve got years of social work experience under your belt and want to become a leader in the field, a doctor of social work (DSW) degree might be right for you.

A DSW is different from a Ph.D. in social work in that the former emphasizes real-world clinical practice and applying research in professional settings, whereas a social work Ph.D. program focuses more on research and theory, preparing you for a career in academia.

DSW programs are picking up steam nationally. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is set to conclude its accreditation pilot of DSW programs in 2025, meaning that DSW programs will soon be able to receive accreditation and be evaluated based on their quality and value for students.

A DSW is a major commitment in terms of both time and money, and it isn’t required to for a successful career in social work. But if you want to pursue a terminal degree focused on applied research and leadership, a DSW can help you take that leap.

Source: NCES, BestColleges

A DSW degree is a major commitment in terms of time and money. Make sure you select a reputable program that’s right for you.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) does not currently accredit DSW programs, but a pilot accreditation program will conclude this year.

The average tuition and fees for a social work doctoral degree was $15,738 per year as of 2019-2020, according to the NCES. On average, a DSW takes three years to complete, which means a typical program might cost upwards of $47,000 total.

Make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can help you land federal loans during your terminal degree program.

A doctor of social work (DSW) program typically comprises three years, or around 40 credits, but that figure can vary significantly based on program format. Self-paced programs might allow you to work toward your degree faster, but might also take longer depending on your work and personal schedule.

Some online DSW programs also come in an accelerated format. Simmons University, for instance, offers a DSW that can be completed in less than two years.

Attending a DSW program from an accredited university is a way to ensure you’re being taught relevant skills. The CSWE, the main programmatic accreditor for social work programs, doesn’t currently accredit DSW programs, but that might be changing soon. The CSWE is currently wrapping up an accreditation pilot program for DSW programs.

The CSWE notes that “it will be quite some time before accreditation of these programs is the norm.”

Adding a DSW on top of your work experience can open up doors outside of traditional social work.

You could land a leadership role as a social or community services manager, an occupation that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says will grow faster than average over the next decade. You could also opt to take a teaching route and become a college professor, another career path set to grow rapidly.

If you’re still weighing how to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), keep in mind that you don’t need a DSW to work in the field. A master of social work (MSW) is usually built to help you get clinical hours required for licensure.

Source: BLS

If you want to become a college professor, researcher, or administrator within the social work field, a DSW can help boost your resume and set you on that path.

It’s important to note that you don’t need a DSW to become a social worker. A master of social work is usually enough to help you earn licensure and kick off your career in the field, whether you work in a clinical setting or elsewhere.

Most DSW programs are geared toward professionals with at least a few years of experience in social work. If you’re new to social work, it’s probably better to get some experience in the field and pursue a doctorate when you’re ready.